DROWNED OFFST CLAIR

Hokitika Guardian, 20 February 1920, Page 3

DROWNED OFFST CLAIR

POWERFUL SWIMMER SWEPT TO SEA. THE BYSTANDERS IMPOTENT, (Dunedin Star), Jlist after 4 o’clock on Saturday afternoon a young man of strong physique and great swimming prowess was plucked out to sea by the heavy, treacherous surf running, and drowned before the eyes- of hundreds of appalied and impotent spectators after a gallant ■fight for life;, and in spite of the efforts of a life-saving team |o reach him. The victim was Lester V.ernou Cliff, just 21 years of age, who lived with his parents at 34 Sidey street, Cavershain, and was employed as a compositor by Messrs Wilkie and Co. Deceased stood over 6ffc in be'ight, and was of athletic build. He was well known in Territorial circles, being Q.M.S., in :l signalling corps, and very popular. His father, Mr lE. W. Cliff, of the “Tablet” Printing Company went away up Gatlins River for a holiday and on arrival was met with the tragic news. He returned to town by .motor on Saturday night. A FRIGHTFUL SEA. Spectators of the tragedy who know the vagaries and dangers of St Clair beach record that a phenomenally heavy sea—perhaps the worst known ’i> many years—was running unci several bathers were warned that the surf would be dangerous.

At about 4.10. p.m., the deceased was j bathing right opposite the St Clair Life j Saving Club’s Shed, and was suddenly , swept from his feet and whisked out beyond the breakers at incredible speed. Hi s c-all for help was immedi- | ately responded to by several of the life saving club in the vicinity. Reel and life line were quickly got out; and Mr A. Ward, who is employed at Hiilside Workshops, donned the lifebelt arul swam otitj with the line assisted by Mr Millin, of St Clair. was by this time weli out to sea, alternately swimming, floating, or treading water, and making a most gallant fight for it. Mr Ward was making an equally gallant effort to get through the breakers, but with lifeline and licit his progress was slow, and before he won through the horrified spectators saw deceased finally disappear. It was seen at the same time that Mr Ward was in a dangerous state of exhaustion, and he was pulled in. The police are traversing the St. Clair, St Kilda, and Anderson Bay beaches, but the body has not yet come to land.